Bangkok--6 Dec--Hill & Knowlton
Watsons, the number one health & beauty retailer in Thailand with the highest sales for seven consecutive years, today announced it is confident business operations will still generate positive results and meet its full year forecast as the flooding will not have a long-term impact on its business. Some immediate assistance has been provided for its employees who are affected. At present, all employees have returned to work and Watsons’ overall business has resumed operations as normal.
Mr Toby Anderson, Managing Director Central Watson Co., Ltd. said, “Our warehouse was flooded. We responded by setting up a new facility in Huay Kapi, Chonburi in only 10 days, setting a new record for A.S. Watson Group. We also established a temporary control center in Harbour Mall, Laem Chabang, Chon Buri.”
In addition, Watsons has founded a 6-million baht flood relief fund for its staff. Over 250 employees whose houses were flooded were given 5,000 baht cash, while over 100 employees were supported with temporary accommodation. Employees in affected areas were also supported with job relocation to ensure their safety and well-being. These immediate measures allowed Watsons to resume normal operations in a short period of time.
“We are confident that our full year business operation will reach its forecast level. Currently, only seven stores remain closed for renovation. This is a significant decrease from the previous figure of 30 store closures. Non-affected stores have performed exceptionally well during the floods.”
“More importantly, positive results can be expected as we will move forward with the existing store expansion plan. A total of 21 new stores are scheduled to open this quarter: six of which were unveiled in October, another three in November and 12 new stores will be opened in December. In addition, Watsons is currently recruiting for 330 vacant positions in existing and new stores nationwide,” Mr Anderson continued.
Regarding marketing and business operations, Watsons will continue its established marketing plans with some additional measures included due to the current situation. Watsons is increasing product availability at all stores to allow customers to enjoy the variety of quality products as usual.
“We believe the business outcome is going to meet the full year forecast because we have resumed our normal operations rapidly. We hope to continue our leadership position in the health and beauty retail industry in Thailand. On behalf of Watsons, I would like to express my gratitude towards our employees and suppliers for the support and understanding shown during the flooding crisis,” concluded Mr. Anderson.
For more information, please contact:
Sornsopin Puttachartsaewee / Ratchada Kulthanaphanich
Hill & Knowlton Thailand
Tel. 0-2627-3501 ext. 101 / 108
Fax. 0-2627-3510
Email:
[email protected]